Comelec demands justice for slain poll officer in Zamboanga del Norte

Zamboanga del Norte election officer Maricel Peralta. Image from her Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday condemned the killing of an election officer in Zamboanga del Norte, who was killed after her vehicle was gunned down by motorcycle-riding assailant, saying justice must be served.

“The Comelec condemns the brutal slaying of Engineer Maricel Peralta, election officer of Mutia, Zamboanga del Norte,” Comelec acting chairperson Socorro Inting said in a statement.

“We are already in communication with the PNP and we assure the public — and Maricel’s loved ones — that the Comelec will not rest until justice is served,” Inting further said.

Police earlier reported that Peralta, accompanied by assistant election officer Maritess Inding, was on her way home when their vehicle was attacked by a still unidentified gunman at the Lapu-Lapu bridge in Piñan.

According to authorities, Peralta succumbed to gunshot wounds, while Inding survived and is currently receiving medical care.

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EDV